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It's race season.
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As the race season begins to ramp up, we talk to Kyle Cutler, Race Director for the Lake Michigan Credit Union Bridge Run. He shares the inside scoop on what it takes to put on a big race.

"There was a time when I could show up at a race and be blissfully ignorant in a porta-potty. I would show up, do my thing, run the race, grab my banana, and go home without really giving a thought to how much the whole experience was costing a race. Then I became a race director and now I can't show up to a race without looking at everything with dollar signs in mind or thinking "how'd they do that?" (for instance, how does the Boston Marathon manage a course that is 26.2miles?!?)"
Official 2023 Race Calendar
Race photography is more than just taking pictures; it's about telling a story. At Stellafly, we understand that every athlete has their own unique journey, and we use photography to capture and share those stories.

Whether it's the determination in an athlete's eyes as they cross the finish line or the camaraderie of runners cheering each other on, photography has the ability to capture the raw emotion of the event. It also provides a platform to highlight the beauty of the race course, the spectators cheering on the sidelines, and the volunteers who make it all possible. So, whether you're an athlete looking to document your accomplishments or a photographer looking to capture the essence of the race, there's no denying the importance and impact of photography in the world of racing.

We're honored to partner with really great races this year. We've been working hard to build a stable of professional photographers that you will see out there capturing YOU crushing your goals.

With that, we share our 2023 Race Calendar.
Wishing all of our local athletes a great day in Boston!
Eric Abbott grew up participating in sports. In high school, he was a swimmer and then in college he discovered triathlon. In 2008, he participated in his first triathlon and found out that he was quite good at it. He worked hard over the next two decades sharpening his skills while racing triathlon.

In 2018, he was invited to join the national Every Man Jack triathlon team and while training for his first full Ironman he tore a tendon in his foot. It was the end of his triathlon career. While he had never considered himself much of a runner, he quickly switched it up to cycling.

Life took him and his wife, Sara, from Michigan to Indiana and that meant spending most of his time on the indoor trainer — and lots of time on the Zwift platform. To cater to his competitive itch, he took to Zwift Racing.

He breaks down the basics on how to get started in this month's eNews!
HART HILLS GRAVEL RACE
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
HART, MICHIGAN
Year after year, the reviews are solid. When it comes to gravel racing, word of mouth is key. Give this one a try!

"Three hours and 39 minutes of hills, wind and sand! Hart Hills The Classic Gravel Road Race 2021 was the most challenging course I have raced yet. It was also the course that made me laugh the most. Raymond and all the volunteers did a fantastic job. I know what to expect from this race next year!" — Christina Vipond, Athletic Mentors

"Beautiful course with a mix of road surfaces. I'd recommend riding a wide tire, with the close proximity to Lake Michigan it can get pretty sandy. Finish the race and grab some pizza from Hart Pizza." - Steve Knust

"Hell yeah! This course keeps you on your toes, and hopefully on two wheels! Lots of sand, seasonal roads and some great punchy hills! Can’t wait to ride this again next year!" - Emily Mileski

To Register: bikereg.com/harthills
RIVERTOWN RACES
FRIDAY, APRIL 21 and SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
MILLENNIUM PARK, WALKER, MICHIGAN

Kids 1-mile Fun Run: Friday, April 23, 2023
Half Marathon, 10, & 5k: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Race Start Times:

  • Friday Kid’s Fun Run
  • 6:00 pm – 1 mile

  • Saturday
  • 7:30 am – Half Marathon
  • 8:00 am – 10K
  • 8:10am – 5K

All races start behind the Pavilion at the Meadows of Millennium Park.

USE PROMO CODE FOR 10% OFF: Stellafly_2023
Registration: runsignup.com/Rivertown
WATERLOO G+G
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN

RIDE THROUGH THE WILDS OF LOWER MICHIGAN’S LARGEST PARK, WHERE PRISTINE FORESTS, ROLLING GLACIAL TERRAIN, AND SPARKLING LAKES PROVIDE A BREATHTAKING BACKDROP FOR THE GRAVEL CYCLING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.

Given Waterloo Recreational Area’s glacial history, the bike courses vary from rolling hill climbs and swift descents to winding curves and rare straightaways. Some roads will be paved. Others may be patched. Most will be dirt and rock. Expect to get dusty. Expect to get grimy. Expect to have the time of your life!

Distances:
100K: 2 loops that wind through Waterloo’s more than 20,000 acres.
50K: Condenses the best that the 100K offers into half the distance (one loop)
10-mile non-competitive, untimed: a little bit of everything!
All courses run counterclockwise, turning left onto Seymour Road from Portage Lake, then right on List.
SHE RUNS GRAND RAPIDS
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

We are thrilled to be invited back to photograph SHE RUNS Grand Rapids again this year. We started working with the race when it was known as Gazelle Girl back in 2013. Over the past 10 years, thousands of women from 30 states and abroad have joined in to run and walk in downtown Grand Rapids. SHE RUNS GR continues to connect women through movement and a vision to inspire healthier living in West Michigan. Learn more about their mission by visiting their website. 

ARMED SERVICES MARATHON/HALF MARATHON/5K
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN
PRICE INCREASE APRIL 2nd!!!

The Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K is back for its 15th year! The new venue, Grand Haven High School Football Stadium, proved to be a popular move so it's back for it's second year with all of the event distances starting and finishing on the track inside the football stadium.

This year, alongside Folds of Honor, the race is expanding its mission to include First Responders. Race Director Ron Knoll is offering a 20% discount to First Responders and Armed Service members. If you have a First Responder in your life and are able to spread the word, please share this information! Let's celebrate those that SERVE and PROTECT.

PROMO: FIRST2023ALLEVENTS *
*must be able to provide proof of employment.

Participants will receive a long sleeve tech shirt, event bag, custom finisher medal, and a participant photo. There are also fantastic overall and age group awards. Last but not least, very popular is the post-race food from Subway and chocolate milk provided by Country Dairy.


Check out I don't Know Running's interview with Race Director, Ron Knoll. Be sure to subscribe while you're there!
BEAR LAKE TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2023
NORTH MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN
PRICE INCREASE APRIL 2nd!!!

Bear Lake is always the first triathlon of the season and allows athletes to see how well prepared they are for the rest of the season. A financial contribution is made to the North Muskegon Schools Athletic Boosters. The City of North Muskegon, its departments and residents truly embrace this event.

The Brian Diemer Family of Races are known for their great donuts at the finish. Don't make RD Rob Hyde have to eat all of them. Grab your discount today and you can save $5 on us using code "donut" and help Rob by eating your donut once you finish! Expires on April 5th!

Heroes of Hope 5K & Kids Run on May 7th in Downtown Grand Rapids Registration: runsignup.com/Heroes of Hope 5K

One in Five Team Marathon Relay & 5K on June 2nd at Millenium Park
Registration: runsignup.com/ONEINFIVE

USE CODE: SF2023 | 15% off race registration

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